3 minute read
HEALTH
MICHELLE HANDBURY
Two-time cancer survivor
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“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer when I was 21. Because I was in the process of switching to a new policy with my previous fund, I wasn’t covered. After that experience, I changed to Police Health. It was the best decision of my life. Even later when I got breast cancer, during the 17 years I’ve been with Police Health, they’ve never let me down.”
HEALTH
CONTENT WARNING: Michelle’s account of her journey with bowel cancer and breast cancer may be upsetting for some readers.
Before I was a Police Health member, I had to sell my beautiful horse to pay for a specialist who was able to promise I wouldn’t wear a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. I was 21 and fighting cancer.
Police Health restored my faith in the system. A lot of funds say they give back but when it came down to my situation, they didn’t. I’ve been with Police Health since 2004, during which I’ve had 19 recurring surgeries and have ended up on life support twice. Being with Police Health, the least of my concerns is my cover.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33, Police Health covered my surgeries and ongoing treatment, and went beyond their role to guarantee their level of care. For example, informing me about a Government subsidy because of my length of travel to the hospital, as well as claiming associated treatments such as acupuncture and physiotherapy that help make my body more resilient.”
I can also access counselling to deal with the grief and resentment of my breast cancer diagnosis, which my husband was able to attend.
It’s these small things that Police Health do that make a big impact.
I was also taken into hospital every six to 10 months, it was a relief knowing there was no ‘out of pocket’. This alone has saved me thousands.
Breast cancer stripped everything away from me. I remember thinking, this can’t be my time; me and my husband have too much to do together. I can’t leave him. I know people don’t get to walk away from this kind of journey. I met some of the most amazing women during my treatment. At 33, I was considered young, and these women took me under their wing.
I found solace in my support network: the nurses and doctors, my family, Police Health, work, and my animals. These all form the puzzle of life that helped move me forward. I call them my healing team.
I believe in surrounding yourself with inspiring people you respect, and you can never go wrong.
But it’s okay to sit in the state of mourning for a little while, so you can stand up and fight, in the face of adversity. As the saying goes, God never gives you more than you can handle.
Michelle has received more than $240k in benefits from her Police Health policy.
My Nan used to say, you can be anything you want to be. During my fight, my goal was to survive. It’s important to develop a positive mindset and pair it with sheer determination. This is the recipe to achieve anything in life. I’ve found life to be extremely grounding.
We all need to be our own advocates, especially women. Going with my gut has never led me astray. This is the message I impart to people when I do public speaking; that bowel and breast cancers don’t discriminate by age groups.
Maybe this happened to me so I could tell my story to the many women who will go on this journey – and be that person to tell them they can survive. A diagnosis hits you like a freight train, but how you deal with it is a testament to your character. Cancer doesn’t have to define you.
My battle scars aren’t something to be ashamed of. They remind me I won.
To join more than 65,000 other members of Australia’s police community already enjoying peace-of-mind from Police Health’s gold-tier insurance, call 1800 603 603 or visit policehealth.com.au.
